Cellulose

Plant-Derived Synthetic
Clean
Cellulose
CAS #
9004-34-6
Functions
Absorbent
Bulking
Opacifying
Viscosity Controlling
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Traditional Use
Cellulose as a cosmetic ingredient is a modern industrial derivative of plant cellulose, first processed at scale in the 19th century. Used in cosmetics since the early 20th century as a thickener, binder, and texture modifier to improve product consistency.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR